British stars put a gay twist on a Shakespeare classic in ‘Romeo and Jude’
By Will Stroude
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One of the most iconic romances of all time is being given a gay twist in Amazon’s new audio epic Romeo and Jude.
A host of British stars have lent their voices to the the gritty and unpredictable adaptation of William’s Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy Romeo and Juliet – including Game of Thrones’ Owen Teale, former Eastenders star Ricky Norwood, and Pride‘s Matthew Tennyson.
Out today (February 11), and available for free as part of Amazon Audible’s special free trial offer for Attitude readers, Romeo and Jude sees Owen Teale play Ray, the modern-day star of an ambitious amateur dramatics company, whose life begins to reflect art as the company works on its first professionally-directed production under the leadership of maverick new director Miranda Merritt (Frances Jeater).
Cast as Romeo, Ray throws himself into the play, whilst also attempting to keep his business afloat by networking with local business man, Charlie Carlin (Nick Moran). But when Charlie’s son disillusioned son Jude (Matthew Tennyson) is cast as Juliet, a passionate and dangerous behind-the-scenes love affair begins to develop between the two male leads.
Forced to flee from Jude’s homophobic father Charlie, a whirlwind chase steeped in violence, fear, love, death and despair draws in the couple, their families, and the cast of the play.
From left to right: Owen Teale, Ricky Norwood and Matthew Tennyson star in Amazon Audible’s adaptation of the Shakespeare classic
Owen Teale says of modern re-imagining, which was written by Scottish author Marty Ross: “It’s an amazing piece of writing – all the characters have vastly different voices, but they are all capable of being eloquent in their own way.
“You go on a journey with Ray and Jude, as they fall in love and make a break for it while exploring their sexuality together – and the sexual content, which is so important to the story, is brilliantly woven in.”
Matthew Tennyson adds: “What I like most about this adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is how big and unashamedly romantic it is. You’d expect a modern interpretation to undercut the romance, but it doesn’t – it’s still big, poetic and really moving.”
Romeo and Jude is available to download now as part of Amazon Audible’s exclusive free trial for Attitude readers.
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